I went to Mildren race engineering and a few other workshops in Adelaide, and everybody seems to be in agreement that the SM4 is the best aftermarket engine management system there is.

I have been quoted 2 prices of $2500 just for the module and another price of $2100. What is the actual retail on these modules?

I have a naturally aspirated BMW E30 that I want to convert to an aftermarket ECU. I realise this is a wankel forum but there seems to be no places on the web that discuss Autronic.

One thing I saw mentioned on the web is that the SM4 is still being developed?? Is it true? I would rather wait for final release rather than get a beta kit.

 

It's still being developed, but $2500 is the common retail price (both in US dollars, and AUD, depending on where you are). You're effectively buying a beta unit if you buy right now, but I'm getting one anyway.

 

The SM4 might be all that and much more but research shows it is amongst the top 2 or 3 units available. The problem you are having and many more are having is the lack of open information for the system. This was designed to be that way by Autronic and many a people including myself have shown dissatisfaction with their way of providing support. Kind of a closed society, find a Autronic dealer in your area and he will provide you with the support you need. Rice Racing is an Aussie dealer and can be found on this forum; you might want to touch bases with him and he will guide you in the right direction.
The SM4 has long passed the BETA stages and is a full blown working EMS system, so that should not be a factor.

 

13B_boost, I don't see how you can say it's past beta with the way the current control software is (e.g. TBD/TBA in the help files, an empty menu or two, etc). Based on the feedback from distributors, it works great when setup, but is still considered a 'dealer install' product. This sounds like beta to me. Cheers.

 

That may be with the copy you have. That is not what I see here with the copy I have installed on my notebook sitting in front of me. Oh I forgot you may be reading what you see on their web site. This is what I have:

 

What is the current sm4 software version?

 

No I am not an Aussie dealer, despite my non stop promotion of the product and vast experience with it. In my region there is an absolute idiot as the dealer go figure.

I use Joe Benica in Melbourne as the dealer for support along with my other contacts through out the world (out side of the BS Autronic structure !).

In Adelaide probably Allen Engineering are the best to contact hope that helps you...

 

I have the latest software from my dealer, that has BETA in the name. Maybe you've been getting 'fresher goods'; I've been told there's a new release coming out soon.

 

Stupid Question: why do you need the latest and greatest Autronic ECU for a naturally aspirated E30 BMW? I would think an SM2 or even an SMC would work just fine.

 

No, its a good question.

I do not know what I really need, and the workshops always like to push you to get the most expensive, that why I am here on this board looking for advice.

I know a few people who have spent $700 AUD for megasquirt setup on an E30 (doing all the work yourself), vs spending 3-4k for the same thing with Autronic SM4

The only difference I can see is that the autronic can handle the ignition timing which will be handy.

 

Ignition timing, knock control, dwell control, nitrous, limp home modes based on almost any engine perameter, individual cylinder trims for fuel and ignition, the most powerful injector drivers I have ever come across, up to 8 individual coils, fully mapible outputs, ability to fully control timing split based on rpm's and load, load based on TPS and map for ITB cars running forced induction i.e. E30 turbo! And so on and so on!

Autronic rules!
just my .02

 

The only thing I can say is after you have purchased any ECU you find yourself saying I wish it could do this (insert- idea) Well the autronic can that is why you buy it I have not had a situation yet that we could not make it do. This is after many different instals now.